Scripture: Acts 7: 54-56

 The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage.^[m] 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. ⁵⁶ And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”

Scripture Commentary:

Stephen saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. We often read about Jesus talking and praying to God. However, we do not see them together in the same place.

Stephen is giving up his life for Jesus and His Father. They are witnessing the event unfold and are preparing to accept Stephen into God’s kingdom. Jesus gave his life for us and now he sees Stephen doing the same for him.

The Jewish leaders denied Jesus and now, in anger, they condemned Stephen to death by stoning. Saul, who was part of the Jewish leadership, persecuted Christ’s followers and stood as a witness against Stephen.

Stephen’s death impacted Saul who later went on the road to Damascus where Jesus asked him in Acts 9, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” The event between Saul and Jesus reveals how God can take anyone and use them for his mission.

Are you on the road to Damascus? Let Jesus into your life and see how he works in you.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scriptures Referenced:

Acts 7

Acts 9

Read Other Commentary From the Book of Acts:

Money Can’t Buy What Is Eternal

Saul, why do you persecute me?

Scripture: Acts 5: 1-4

But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. ² He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. ³ Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. ⁴ The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!”

Scripture Commentary:

Ananias and Sapphira died because they lied to God and the apostles. Do you or have you lied to God? No one wants to admit it, but be honest we all have at times in our lives.

There are many ways we hold back from God.

When we say we will never do something again or when we hold back some of the offerings we intended to put in the church plate, we are being dishonest. And like Ananias and Sapphira, we put on a show to appear that we are giving more than we actually are. We want the appearance of doing something great.

God sees all and knows all.

We cannot hide from God. When it comes to giving, do what you really can. God is not asking for all even though all you have comes from Him. God gave us His most precious gift, His Son Jesus Christ. So how can you hold anything back?

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Acts 5

Read Other Commentary From the Book of Acts:

You Can’t Earn Grace

You Can’t Afford the Gift of God